IPL 2023: Jos Buttler doubtful for RR's next match against DC

RR opener Jos Buttler doubtful starter for Royals' next match of IPL 2023 against DC.

During the Rajasthan Royals' match against Punjab Kings on Wednesday, Jos Buttler sustained a finger injury that required multiple stitches. The injury occurred while Buttler was taking a catch to dismiss Shahrukh Khan, and as a result, he was unable to open the innings in Rajasthan's five-run defeat against Punjab. Ravichandran Ashwin was promoted as an opener in his place.

Despite the injury, Buttler managed to take a sliding catch off Jason Holder's bowling in the last over of the match. However, he immediately looked in pain as he left the field with a couple of balls still remaining. According to skipper Sanju Samson, Buttler was not fit to play, and he received the sponsor's award for the best catch with a white strapping on his little finger.

The finger injury is likely to keep Buttler out of RR's next game against Delhi Capitals, which will take place in Guwahati on April 8. With the next match scheduled to be played within 72 hours, the Royals medical staff may choose to rest him for a game or two to avoid further complications, especially with fielding.

Match Summary - Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings were asked to bat first and managed to score 197 for 4, with Shikhar Dhawan remaining unbeaten on 86 off 56 balls and Prabhsimran Singh contributing 60 runs off 34 balls. Dhawan and Singh's opening partnership of 90 runs proved crucial in setting up a big total for Punjab. Although Shimron Hetmyer (36 off 18) and Dhruv Jurel (32* off 15) gave Rajasthan a glimmer of hope with a rapid 62-run partnership for the seventh wicket in just 4.3 overs, pacer Sam Curran bowled an excellent final over to secure the victory for Punjab. Curran kept his cool under pressure and defended 15 runs in the last over to help Punjab Kings defeat Rajasthan Royals by five runs in a high-scoring match at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati.

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